Two Air Fryers: A Tasty Meal's Best Friend?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, offering a quicker and more energy-efficient alternative to cooking in a full-sized oven. They are especially useful for cooking crispy foods, such as chicken wings, without the mess and oil of deep-frying.

Dual basket air fryers allow you to cook two things at once, which is useful for dietary requirements or cooking for multiple people. They are generally more expensive and bulkier than single basket air fryers, but they can save time and energy.

If you are cooking for a family of two, an air fryer with a capacity of 3-4 quarts is recommended. For a family of three, opt for an air fryer with a capacity of 4-5 quarts. A family of four with young children will need a 5.8-quart air fryer, while a family of five or more will require an air fryer with a capacity of 6 quarts or more.

If you are an individual with limited living space, a compact air fryer with a capacity of 1-2 quarts will be sufficient.

Dual basket air fryers are more expensive than single basket air fryers

Cook Two Things at Once

Dual basket air fryers allow you to cook two different items simultaneously, saving time and effort. This feature is especially useful if you have dietary restrictions or are cooking for people with different preferences. You can also keep ingredients separated to avoid cross-contamination between foods.

Larger Cooking Capacity

Dual-basket air fryers tend to be larger than standard air fryers, providing more cooking space. This increased capacity makes them ideal for cooking for larger groups or preparing multiple dishes at once.

Easier to Clean

The baskets in dual basket air fryers are typically more compact and easier to fit in the dishwasher. However, if you opt for a model with a large, dividable basket, keep in mind that it will be bulkier and may require more cleaning effort.

Versatility

Dual basket air fryers offer more versatility in terms of cooking options. You can choose to use both baskets simultaneously or separately, depending on your needs. Some models even allow you to combine the two cooking spaces, providing flexibility for cooking larger items.

Time Efficiency

With dual basket air fryers, you can cook multiple components of a meal at the same time, eliminating the need to cook and plate one item before starting on the next. This saves time and ensures that your food is served hot and fresh together.

While dual basket air fryers offer enhanced functionality and convenience, they also come with certain considerations. They tend to be bulkier and may require more counter space. Additionally, cooking larger items can be awkward unless you opt for a model with a dividable basket. Lastly, dual basket air fryers are generally more expensive than their single basket counterparts, so it's important to weigh the benefits against your budget constraints.

Dual basket air fryers are bulkier and heavier than single basket air fryers

Dual-basket air fryers are larger than their single-basket counterparts, requiring more counter space. They are ideal for those with ample kitchen space or those who can accommodate them in their home. Their larger size also means they take longer to clean.

Dual-basket air fryers are also heavier, with some models weighing more than 10kg. This added weight may make them harder to move around and store, especially for those with limited strength or mobility issues.

The Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer, for example, offers two separate cooking zones with adjustable temperature and sear settings. This allows you to cook two different dishes simultaneously, saving time and improving efficiency.

The Instant Vortex Plus XL is another dual-basket option with see-through windows, allowing you to monitor your food without opening the basket.

If you have the space and strength to accommodate a dual-basket air fryer, it can be a great addition to your kitchen, offering increased cooking capacity and versatility.

Dual basket air fryers are easier to clean than single basket air fryers

Dual-Basket Air Fryers: Easier to Clean Than Single-Basket Fryers

Dual-basket air fryers are a relatively new invention, but they have already proven to be a game-changer for home cooks. Not only do they save time and energy, but they also offer greater flexibility and convenience when preparing meals. And when it comes to cleaning up, dual-basket air fryers have the upper hand over their single-basket counterparts. Here's why:

Avoid Cross-Contamination:

Dual-basket air fryers allow you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously without transferring flavours between foods. This is especially useful if you have dietary preferences or restrictions, such as keeping ingredients for fish separate from other dishes. With two baskets, you can cook salmon in one basket and keep your carrots or asparagus free from fish oil in the other. It's also ideal when serving guests with food allergies, as you can prepare their meals separately to avoid any accidental contamination.

Larger Cooking Capacity:

Dual-basket air fryers typically have a larger overall capacity than standard air fryers. This means you can cook more food at once, which is excellent for larger families or when entertaining. For example, the Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer offers a combined capacity of 8 quarts, effectively doubling the output of a 4-quart single-basket fryer. So, if you're cooking for a crowd or want to prepare multiple dishes at once, a dual-basket fryer will save you time and effort.

Keep a Spare Clean Basket:

Even if you don't always need to use both baskets for every meal, having a dual-basket fryer means you'll always have a clean basket ready to go. With a single-basket fryer, you'll need to wait for the basket to cool down and then wash it before you can start cooking something else. But with two baskets, you can keep one basket clean and ready for your next culinary creation. This is especially handy if you like to cook multiple dishes in quick succession or want to minimise the time spent cleaning between uses.

Efficient Use of Space:

While dual-basket air fryers might seem bulkier than single-basket models, they can actually help save valuable counter space. The Ninja Double Stack XL 9.5L Air Fryer, for instance, features a unique design with one basket stacked on top of the other, reducing the appliance's footprint on your countertop. This innovative design solves the problem of limited counter space while still offering the benefits of dual-basket cooking.

Advanced Features:

Since dual-basket air fryers are a newer addition to the market, they often come with standout features that enhance your cooking experience. For instance, the Instant Vortex Plus XL has see-through windows that let you monitor your food as it cooks without opening the basket and releasing heat. The Ninja DZ550 comes with a smart probe that automatically stops cooking proteins when they reach the desired level of doneness. And the T-fal Actifry Genius+ features a paddle that automatically rotates during cooking, eliminating the need to shake or flip your food manually.

Time Efficiency:

One of the biggest advantages of dual-basket air fryers is the ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, saving you time in the kitchen. You can prepare your protein and side dish at the same time, and even sync the cooking times so that everything is ready at once, ensuring your meal is hot and fresh. This level of time efficiency is challenging to achieve with a single-basket fryer, where you would need to cook each component separately, potentially resulting in longer wait times and colder food.

Dual basket air fryers can cook two things at once

Dual-basket air fryers are a great way to cook two things at once, saving time and reducing the need for cooking in batches. They are ideal for those who like to prepare multiple courses at once or cook larger quantities of food.

The dual compartments of a double-basket air fryer offer unparalleled versatility. You can cook two separate dishes at different temperatures and durations, enabling you to serve complete meals quickly. For example, you can cook chicken nuggets in one basket and fries in the other.

With advanced technology, you can even sync the finish times of your food so that everything arrives at the table still hot. This allows you to experiment with a range of different food types at home, such as dehydrated fruit snacks or a lemon drizzle cake.

However, there are some drawbacks to double-basket air fryers. They are larger and require more counter space, which may be a challenge for small kitchens. The larger design also means it takes longer to clean. Additionally, the added features and convenience of dual compartments often come with a higher price tag compared to single-basket air fryers.

Dual basket air fryers can be used to cook for people with different dietary requirements

Dual basket air fryers are a great option for those with different dietary requirements. They can be used to cook two things at once, which is especially useful if you're cooking for vegetarians or those with different preferences. For example, you could cook chicken nuggets in one basket and fries in the other.

Some dual basket air fryers, like the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer, even have a 'match' setting that allows you to cook a large batch of one thing in both baskets, with the option to sync the finish times so that everything is ready simultaneously.

If you're cooking for a family of two, a 2- or 3-quart air fryer should be sufficient. For families of three or more, a larger basket allows you to get dinner on the table faster. A 5.8-quart air fryer is perfect for a family of four and can even work for a family of six, depending on what you're cooking.

Dual basket air fryers are generally more expensive than single basket models, but they offer more cooking versatility and can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy costs. They are also easier to clean, as the baskets are usually more compact and dishwasher-friendly.

However, it's important to note that dual basket air fryers take up more space and can be heavy, so you'll likely want to leave it out on your kitchen counter. Make sure you have enough space and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the required clearance.

If you're considering a dual basket air fryer, it's worth checking out the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer, which has two equal-sized drawers, supreme cooking power, and a sleek design. The COSORI Dual Air Fryer is another great, affordable option with two cooking zones and handy viewing windows.

Frequently asked questions